In September this year, SpaceX CEO made headline when he replied to a tweet that the first orbital flight of Starship might possibly happen sooner than expected. According to him, it is highly likely that the launch will be in November.
Starship is SpaceX's huge space vehicle that is built to carry cargo and people to the moon, Mars and other distant destinations. With the upcoming launch of the space vehicle, here are some of the interesting things that you should know about Starship.
1. Starship is Cheaper than Falcon 9
Because of its reusable design, Starship is cheaper than the Falcon 9 rocket. It is cheaper despite of its power and bigger size. According to Technology, Musk has suggested that one Starship flight could only cost $2 million per launch.
It is relatively cheaper compared to the Falcon 9, which costs of around $62 million. According to the SpaceX CEO, the cost of Starship's orbital mission should only fall to less than $10 million in two to three years.
2. Starship is Designed to Deliver Satellites in Space
According to SpaceX, Starship is designed to bring satellites to space at a lower marginal cost per launch than the company's current Falcon space vehicles. The rocket system has a payload compartment larger than any fairing that are currently operating or in development. With this, it creates more possibilities for new missions.
3. Starship is the Most Powerful Launch Vehicle Ever
The 120m Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket are collectively known as Starship. It represents a fully reusable space transportation system. The space vehicle is made to bring both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. With the capability to carry in excess of 100 metric tons into Earth's orbit, Starship will be the most powerful launch vehicle ever made today.
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4. Starship will Have Its First Lunar Mission in 2023
Starship will have its first lunar mission in 2023, carrying Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa and the crew of dearMoon to space, according to SpaceX. They will become the first civilian passengers on a lunar Starship mission. They will have a week-long journey featuring a fly-by of the Moon. The upcoming flight is a historic event as it will give people who wish to travel to space a chance to fulfill their dream.
5. The Super Heavy is Capable of Delivering Around 75 Meganewtons
Upon ignition, the main engines used on the Apollo Saturn V rockets was able to produce around 35 meganewtons. Meanwhile, during the first stage of Starship, the Super Heavy is capable of delivering around 75 meganewtons.
6. Starship Spacecraft Has an Integrated Payload Section
Starship has an integrated payload section. This section is capable of carrying passengers and cargo to Earth orbit as well as to other planetary destinations. Moreover, Starship is a fully reusable spacecraft designed for the second stage of the launch sequence.
7. NASA is a Key Partner for SpaceX in Bringing Starship to Space
In December 2008, the first Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract was awarded by NASA to SpaceX. It saved the company from potential ruin. In 2011, NASA validated the SpaceX program. With the validation, the company was able to conduct more spaceflight, including the upcoming flight of Starship.
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